Garment extender and methods of use

ABSTRACT

An extender attachable to a portion of a garment including a substrate and at least one fastener. The extender can be used to extend the length of a garment (e.g., pants). The substrate can have a first and second surface oppositely disposed. The substrate can also have a length at least equal to an outer circumference of a portion of the garment. The at least one fastener can be positioned on the first surface proximate to one end of the substrate for removably attaching the substrate to the portion of the garment.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable garment extender, and more particularly to the configuration of the extender to reversibly permit varying the length of a garment, and methods for making the garment extender.

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that children often outgrow their clothes before their time. The outgrowth can be attributed to a developmental growth spurt. While it is appreciated that the growth in arm and leg length can often outpace growth in hip width and waist during the development years, purchasing new clothes to accommodate the frequent growth spurts of toddlers and prepubescent youths can be expensive and time consuming; continued use of improperly fitting clothing can also be restrictive. Some clothing manufacturers produce a cinch waist; however, this clothing modification is limited to variations in waist circumference. A need exists in the clothing industry for articles (e.g., an extender) attaching to a portion of a garment that can extend the useful life of the garment to accommodate growth changes, for example, in arm and/or leg length, and to cut down costs of replacing otherwise intact clothing.

SUMMARY

Described herein, in one aspect, is an extender attachable to a portion of a garment. More particularly, the extender can have a substrate and at least one fastener. The substrate can have a first and second surface oppositely disposed. In an aspect, the substrate can have a length at least equal to an outer circumference of a portion of said garment. The substrate can be formed from a flexible material. In an aspect, the at least one fastener can be positioned on said first surface proximate to one end of said substrate for removably attaching said substrate to said portion of said garment.

Described herein, in another aspect, is an extender attachable to a portion of garment, said extender comprising a tube and at least one fastener. The tube can have an inner surface defining an inner circumference at least equal to an outer circumference of said garment. The tube can be formed from a flexible material. The at least one fastener can be positioned on said inner circumference proximate to one end of said tube for removably attaching said tube to said garment.

Described herein, in another aspect, in a combination, is an extender attached to a portion of a garment. The extender can comprise a tube and at least one fastener. The tube can have an inner surface defining an inner circumference at least equal to an outer circumference of said garment. The tube can be formed from a flexible material. The at least one fastener can be positioned on said inner circumference proximate to one end of said tube. The fastener can removably attach said tube to said garment.

Described herein, in another aspect, is a method of extending the useful life of pants. The method can comprise removably attaching a respective tube proximate to an end of each pant leg. The method can also include adjusting the positions of said tubes so as to adjust the length of said pants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings herein illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the assembly, system, tools and method:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one aspect of an extender according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one aspect of an extender according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one aspect of an extender according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one aspect of an extender according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one aspect of an extender according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present extender and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the extender and methods are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” “Comprising” can also mean “including but not limited to.”

The phrase “such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

The phrase “at least” preceding a series of elements is to be understood to refer to every element in the series. For example, “at least one” includes one, two, three, four or more.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the term “plurality” means two or more, unless otherwise expressly specified otherwise.

When an ordinal number, such as “first,” “second” and so on, is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to allow for distinguishing that particular referenced feature from another feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term.

Disclosed herein, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, an extender 1 useful in adjusting the length of a garment, and extending the life of said garment is illustrated. Extender 1 simplifies, for example, prolonging the practical use of a garment (e.g., pants) thereby reducing the cost of purchasing new clothes during growth spurts. Extender 1 permits easy and reversible attachment to a portion of a garment without the complexities associated with sewing. Extender 1 can also serve as a decorative accessory attachable to a portion of a garment.

As shown in FIG. 1, extender 1 attachable to a portion of a garment generally comprises a substrate (e.g., tube) 7 having a first surface 3 and a second surface 5 oppositely disposed. In an aspect, first surface 3 can be inside and second surface 5 can be outside of substrate 7. Substrate 7 can have a length at least equal to an outer circumference of a portion of a garment (see, FIG. 2). In an aspect, the substrate 7 can be formed from a flexible material. In an aspect, extender 1 also can comprise at least one fastener 9. The at least one fastener 9 can be positioned on the first surface 3 proximate to one end of said substrate 7 for removably attaching the substrate 7 to the portion of the garment. In an aspect, the at least one fastener 9 can be positioned on the first surface 3 proximate to one end 15 of the substrate 7.

Alternatively and referring to FIG. 1, extender 1, attachable to a portion of a garment, can comprise a tube 7. The tube 7 can have an inner surface 3 defining an inner circumference at least equal to an outer circumference of the garment. The tube 7 can be formed from a flexible material. Extender 1 also can comprise at least one fastener 9. The at least one fastener 9 can be positioned on the inner surface 3 proximate to one end 15 of said tube 7 for removably attaching the tube 7 to the portion of the garment.

In an aspect and as shown in FIG. 1, the extender 1 attached to a portion of a garment can comprise a tube 7 and at least one fastener 9. The tube 7 can have an inner surface 3 defining an inner circumference at least equal to an outer circumference of the garment. The tube 7 can be formed from a flexible material. The at least one fastener 9 can be positioned on the inner circumference proximate to one end 15 of the tube 7. The fastener 9 can be used to removably attach the tube 7 to the garment.

The extender 1 can be secured or otherwise attached to a garment with any desired number of a variety of fasteners 9. It is contemplated that the at least one fastener 9 can be positioned anywhere on extender 1. The at least one fastener 9 can removably attach the substrate 7 to a portion of the garment. Further, extender 1 can have any number of fasteners 9, i.e., more or less than the number of fasteners 9 illustrated in any of the figures herein. It is also contemplated that the extender 1 may not have any fasteners 9.

In an aspect, and as shown in FIG. 2, the at least one fastener 9 can be a strip attached to the first surface 3. In an aspect, the strip can have an adhesive thereon engageable with the garment. For example, the extender 1 can have at least one fastener 9 (e.g., a strip as shown in FIG. 2) for attaching to or to mate with a fastener strip 11 on a garment. In an aspect, the strip can extend completely around the first surface 3. Alternatively, the strip can be of any length. The strip can have a length equal to or less than substrate 7. The strip can have a length equal to an outer circumference of a portion of a garment.

In an aspect, the extender 1 comprises a plurality of fasteners 9 that can be positioned on the first surface 3. In an aspect, the plurality of fasteners 9 can be a plurality of strips that can be positioned on the first surface 3. The plurality of fasteners 9 can be of any length and any number. The plurality of fasteners 9 can be consistently spaced or inconsistently spaced on the first surface 3.

In an aspect, extender 1 can further comprise a plurality of fasteners 9 positioned on the inner surface 3. In an aspect, the at least one fastener 9 can comprise a strip attached to the inner surface 3. The strip can have an adhesive thereon engageable with the garment. The strip can extend completely around the inner circumference. The strip can be adhesively attached to the inner surface 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, extender 1 can attach to, for example, a pant leg 13 using the at least one fastener 9 to mate with the fastener strip 11. Accordingly, extender 1 can be subject to the sizing requirements associated with the garment, for example, the pant leg 13.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of extender 1 utilizing a type of fastening device. For example, at least one fastener 9 can be mated with a second fastener to substantially hold the substrate 7 to the garment. In an aspect, fastener 9 can be sewn directly into the substrate 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the extender 1 has been opened up to show the first surface 3 of the substrate 7. In an aspect, the at least one fastener 9 can be a hook 18 and loop fastener 17. In an aspect, the hook 18 and loop 17 fastener can comprise a plurality of hooks 17 attached to one of said first surface 3 (or inner surface) or said garment (e.g., pant leg 13), and a plurality of loops 17 attached to the other of said first surface 3 (or inner surface) or said garment, (e.g., pant leg 13). The hooks 17 can be engageable with the loops 18 to removably attach the extender 1 to, for example, the pant leg 13. In an aspect, the hooks 18 can be attached to the first surface 3 (or inner surface). In an aspect, the extender 1 can further comprise a plurality of said fasteners 9 positioned on the first surface 3 (or inner surface). Although the hook 18 and loop fastener 17 are shown in FIG. 3 as mating portions of a fastener 9, it will be apparent that other fasteners can be used.

In an aspect, the at least one fastener 9 can be a button. For example, fasteners 9 can comprise buttons positioned in spaced relation around the first surface 3 (or inner surface). The buttons can be engageable with openings in the garment.

In an aspect, the at least one fastener can be a magnetic strip. Magnetic strips can be used to removably attach the extender 1 to a garment. Magnetic strips can be attached to the first surface 3 of the substrate 7. Corresponding strips can be attached to the inside of the garment. Such an arrangement can be invisible from the outside when the extender 1 is attached to the garment as well as when the extender 1 is not attached to the garment.

The number of fasteners useful in securing the extender 1 to a garment can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. The at least one fastener 9 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more. Examples of fasteners 9 include, but are not limited to, adhesive strips, buttons, hook and eyelet style, snaps, pins, hook and loop style, magnets, grippers or other known fasteners. In an aspect, safety pins can be used to removably attach the extender 1 to the garment.

In an aspect, the substrate 7 (or tube) can comprise a first edge 22 and a second edge 24. The first edge 22 and second edge 24 can separably attach to one another along a seam extending lengthwise along said substrate 7 (or tube). The first edge 22 and second edge 24 can separably attach to one another along a seam extending lengthwise along using any desired number of a variety of fasteners 9. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first edge 22 can be attached to the second edge 24 using a hook 17 and loop 18 fastener. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 4B, the first edge 22 can be attached to the second edge 24 using a strip style fastener attached to the first surface 3. In an aspect, the strip can have an adhesive thereon engageable with the substrate 7. For example, extender 1 can have at least one fastener 9 on surface 3 (e.g., a strip as shown in FIG. 4B) for attaching to or mating with a fastener strip 11 on surface 5. In an aspect, the strip can extend completely lengthwise along the seam. Alternatively, the strip can be of any length. The strip can have a length equal to or less than the first edge 22 or second edge 24. In an aspect, the first edge 22 can be attached to the second edge 24 using a plurality of hooks attached proximate to the first edge 22 and a plurality of eyes attached along the second edge 24.

To extend the length of a garment using extender 1 comprising a substrate 7 having a length at least equal to an outer circumference to match a pants leg or other garment or item, the extender 1 can be closed on itself or closed such that edges 22 and 24 are removably attached using at least one fastener 9; thereby providing an adjustable circumference of extender 1. For example, extender 1 can be closed on itself by attaching the first edge 22 to the second edge 24 to one another along a seam extending lengthwise along substrate 7 as described herein. Such attachment or closure can provide an adjustable circumference of extender 1. Generally, it can be solely the seam where the first edge 22 and second edge 24 separably attach that is visible. In an aspect, fastener 9 can be positioned on surface 3 such that it is not visible when the extender 1 is closed. Depending on the type of fastener 9 chosen, select fasteners 9 and 11, for example, can be mated together around the garment as shown, for example, in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. Examples of fasteners 9 include, but are not limited to adhesive strips, hook and eyelet style, snaps, hook and loop style and magnets. Normally closed, a side slit on the extender 1 can be visible as formed by overlapping edges 22 and 24 of the substrate 7.

In an aspect, extender 1 can be attached or secured to the distal end or portion of a garment (e.g., pant leg). Extender 1 can be used on or attached to different types of garments, generally, at the lower portion of the garment (e.g., lower portion of a pant leg or sleeves of jackets or shirts and skirts or dresses). Likewise, extender 1 can be attached to any size of garment.

Extender 1 can be formed from a flexible material. In an aspect, the flexible material can be fabric. In an aspect, the portion of the garment can be a pant leg, shirt sleeve, a skirt hem or a dress hem. In an aspect, the extender 1 can be made of the same material as the garment. Material can be of any thickness, pattern or texture desired.

Extender 1 can be any of length desired. Edges 22 and 24 can be freely adjustable with respect to closure or attachment. Thus, it can be appreciated that the substrate 7 can be of any length or size desired. Likewise, the circumference of extender 1 and substrate 7 can be of any length or size. Extender 1 can be used with any type of garment or garment size. Extender 1 can be contiguous. Alternatively, extender 1 can be formed by one or more fragments of material.

Width of substrate 7, distance between third edge 21 and fourth edge 23, as shown in FIG. 2, can be any size desired. Progressively greater widths can be used in accordance with the descriptions herein. Similarly, width of extender 1 (e.g., distance between edge 21 and edge 23 as shown in FIG. 2) can be any size desired. In an aspect, edge 21 can be the top portion and edge 23 can be the bottom portion of substrate 7. Extender 1 of progressively greater widths can be used as to extend the length of a garment (e.g., to lengthen a child's pants as the child experiences a growth spurt, thereby extending the wearable length of the garment).

Extender 1 and at least one fastener 9 can be packaged as a kit in a suitable labeled container. For example, the containers can include extender 1 comprising a substrate 7 having a first 3 and second 5 surface oppositely disposed. The substrate 7 can have a length at least equal to an outer circumference of a portion of a garment. The at least one fastener 9 can be positioned on the first surface 3 proximate to one end of the substrate 7 for removably attaching to substrate 7 to the portion of the garment.

In some aspects, surface 5 can further comprise an ornamental or decorative design. The ornamental or decorative design can comprise one or more components. Examples of the one or more components that can serve as the ornamental or decorative feature include, but are not limited to, fur, ribbons, iron-on patches, buttons, sequins, glitter, paint (e.g., for pictures), and graffiti-style writing (e.g., by using markers or paint). In an aspect, the one or more ornamental components can also serve as the at least one fastener 9. For example, the one or more ornamental components can be sewn or glued to surface 5 for attaching to the garment.

The article of manufacture can further include, for example, packaging materials, instructions for use (e.g., written or visual materials), and a plurality of fasteners 9. The article of manufacture can also include a legend (e.g., a printed label or insert or other medium describing the product's use (e.g., an audio- or videotape)). The legend can be associated with the container or packaging (e.g., affixed to the container or packaging) and can describe the manner in which the kit comprising extender 1 and at least one fastener 9 can be used. Optionally, the kit can further comprise one or more ornamental components.

Also disclosed herein are methods of extending the useful life of a garment (e.g., pants). In an aspect, the method comprises removably attaching a respective tube 7 proximate to an end of each pant leg; and adjusting the positions of the tubes 7 so as to adjust the length of the pant legs.

Where more than one device or article is disclosed herein (whether or not they cooperate), in some aspects a single device or article can alternatively be used in place of the more than one device or article that is described. For example, a plurality of fasteners (or fastening devices) may be substituted with a single fastener. Accordingly, the functionality described as being provided by more than one device or article may, in some aspects, alternatively, be provided by a single device or article.

The functionality and/or features of a single device that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are described but are not explicitly described as having such functionality and/or features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments, have such functionality or features.

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An extender attachable to a portion of a garment, said extender comprising: a substrate having a first and second surface oppositely disposed, said substrate having a length at least equal to an outer circumference of a portion of said garment, and being formed from a flexible material, and at least one fastener positioned on said first surface proximate to one end of said substrate for removably attaching said substrate to said portion of said garment.
 2. The extender of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a strip attached to said first surface, said strip having an adhesive thereon engageable with said garment.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. The extender of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener comprising a plurality of hooks attached to one of said first surface or said garment, and a plurality of loops attached to the other of said first surface or said garment, said hooks being engageable with said loops to removably attach said extender to said garment.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The extender of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of said fasteners positioned on said first surface.
 8. The extender of claim 7, wherein said fasteners comprise buttons positioned in spaced relation around said first surface, said buttons being engageable with openings in said garment.
 9. The extender of claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises a first edge and a second edge separably attached to one another along a seam extending lengthwise along said substrate.
 10. The extender of claim 9, wherein said first edge is attached to said second edge using a hook and loop fastener.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The extender of claim 1, wherein said flexible material comprises fabric.
 13. The extender of claim 1, wherein the portion of garment is a pant leg, a shirt sleeve, a skirt hem, or a dress hem.
 14. An extender attachable to a portion of a garment, said extender comprising: a tube having an inner surface defining an inner circumference at least equal to an outer circumference of said garment, said tube being formed from a flexible material; and at least one fastener positioned on said inner circumference proximate to one end of said tube for removably attaching said tube to said garment.
 15. The extender of claim 14, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a strip attached to said inner surface, said strip having an adhesive thereon engageable with said garment.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. The extender of claim 14, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener comprising a plurality of hooks attached to one of said inner surface or said garment, and a plurality of loops attached to the other of said inner surface or said garment, said hooks being engageable with said loops to removably attach said extender to said garment.
 19. The extender of claim 18, wherein said hooks are attached to said inner surface.
 20. The extender of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of said fasteners positioned on said inner surface.
 21. The extender of claim 20, wherein said fasteners comprise buttons positioned in spaced relation around said inner circumference, said buttons being engageable with openings in said garment.
 22. The extender of claim 14, wherein said tube comprises a first edge and a second edge separably attached to one another along a seam extending lengthwise along said tube.
 23. The extender of claim 22, wherein said first edge is attached to said second edge using a hook and loop fastener.
 24. The extender of claim 22, wherein said first edge is attached to said second edge using a plurality of hooks attached proximate to said first edge and a plurality of eyes attached along said second edge.
 25. (canceled)
 26. The extender of claim 14, wherein the portion of garment is a pant leg, a shirt sleeve, a skirt hem, or a dress hem.
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. (canceled)
 32. A method of extending the useful life of pants, said method comprising: removably attaching a respective tube proximate to an end of each pant leg; and adjusting the positions of said tubes so as to adjust the length of said pant legs. 